JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — A unique World War II exhibit in Western New York is highlighting the local efforts of those supporting the military on the front lines overseas.

What You Need To Know

  • There's a World War II exhibit in Jamestown

  • The exhibit tells the untold stories of Jamestown

  • Organizers are calling the younger generation to keep the memories alive

It's called, On A Wing and a Prayer, The Untold Stories of Jamestown During World War II, and it's coordinated by Rebecca Rosen and her husband of Jamestown.

There are a number of community photographs and interactive artifacts depicting the contributions of several businesses, organizations and manufacturers during the war, some of which are still in business.

The purpose is to educate the community and show just how important small cities, like Jamestown, were during the war.  

Important to veterans like 83-year-old John Watkins, who graduated from the Naval Academy in 1964 and served as a naval aviator for 20 years.

The exhibit includes a photo of him at age three dressed as a sailor in what's called a Cracker Jack suit.

"Much of this history is being lost because we're not teaching it in school, and occasionally a movie comes out to highlight important parts of the war, but the effort of the hometown people is often overlooked," Naval aviator Ret. Col. John Watkins said.

"So it's up to the younger generation to remember and to see and find out what really happened because it affected the whole country. It affected the whole world, but it really affected the whole country," said exhibit designer Nancy Kerrin.

The exhibit, which will stay up through Dec. 5, coincides with the 80th anniversary of D-Day, celebrated in June.